19thC Italian Wood, Silver & glass Three Graces PILCHER Desk Wax Seal

Seal Detail

 A wood, silver and glass paste desk seal, late 19th/early 20th century, the handle of inverted baluster form with banded stem, reeded silver collar over acanthus, lobed cushion above a border of engraved foliate scrolls, the earlier two-layered glass paste matrix, simulating onyx, moulded with the Three Graces, above the Greek signature for Giovanni Pilcher.

Giovanni Pilcher (1734-91), studied under his father Antonio as well as with the painter, Domenico Corvi.  The Emperor Joseph II, visiting Rome in 1769, was so taken with Pilcher's work, he appointed him Gem Engraver to His Majesty.  His half-brother, Luigi Pilcher (1773-1854), was too young to benefit form their father's tutelage, but studied under Giovanni.  He also enjoyed great success with foreign courts, including that of Francis I in Vienna, where he worked for many years.

The seal is presented in excellent condition.

Seal Specification

Height 72mm

Diameter of matrix 18mmx25mm 

Weight 36g